Acid-tolerant cyclodextrin-based ruthenium nanoparticles for the hydrogenation of unsaturated compounds in water

A water-soluble beta-cyclodextrin polymer synthesized by crosslinking beta-cyclodextrin with epichlorohydrin and glycidyltrimethylammonium chloride allowed the stabilization of ruthenium nanoparticles not only in basic aqueous medium but also in acidic medium. The aqueous ruthenium colloidal suspensions obtained with this polymer were active as catalysts for the hydrogenation of a large variety of unsaturated compounds including aromatic or fatty acids. The recycling of this catalytic system was attested through ten consecutive runs without loss of stability and activity, demonstrating its robustness.